[NewToTransit]

Ive been looking around for a new vehicle but it the winner is the Transit. It sits a lot of people and it looks good compare to the older box van. My Caravan can fit only 7 people but now I need to sit 8-9 people (extendend family) Specially when we the whole family goes out. I dont want to buy a brand new one so 2015 will do. I found one at a dealer 50 miles away. It looks like a previous rental but that's fine also. Its a 12 seater.

I just need some guidance what to look for and ask. From the pictures the rear seats can recline thats kind of important. Are the seats bolted down or removable? What is that aux jack port above the front center cup holder? How hard to install a hitch and wirings? How hard to add 3 seats to make it 15 seats? Hopefully I didnt miss anything.

What I also like about its Ford certified.


http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ersModified=true#listing=130521150_isFeatured

 

[asdrew]

I did the same thing in January, moved from a Town & Country to a year-old 12 passenger wagon that had been a rental. Original sticker was just over 40k and we paid just over $23k, and we are still very pleased.

I looked at many and eventually found one with a few features most did not have - XLT not XL, charcoal instead of light (often stained) pewter seats, privacy glass, sliding door (easier access in a parking space), silver not plain white, allow wheels, etc. I would have preferred to order one with all the options I wanted, but the immediacy and cost of the used one was worth it.

The seats are easily removable (but heavy), there are some good threads in here about doing that. Each model is designed to accommodate only the seats delivered with it, so if you need 15 seats find one with them from the start. The aux jack on the radio I have lets you play from your phone. There is a wealth of info in this forum, search through the threads and ask any questions you come up with.

If you use car seats, be aware that only 3 of the 12 seats have the LATCH anchors on them, yet most seats have the rear anchor point.

You can see some pix of mine in my garage here.

 

[asdrew]

Oh, and our Town & Country had a 3.8 V6 while this one has a smaller 3.7 V6 with plenty of power (though the 3.5 EcoBoost is a beast). Average MPG in the T&C was usually 17-18 mpg and the Transit is usually 16.5- 17 with my wife driving (it is better with me at the wheel).
Amazing comparison IMO for such a larger vehicle with so much more capacity!

 

[NewToTransit]

Your rig looks nice. I was looking for a diff color but all I found is white. Some of the ones I found with similar features is 2-3k more I love the accessories you added on. When I get the van first thing I want to change is the radio don't like the stock ones. Ill add more usb plugs in the back. Ill also do that 2 tone black in the bottom. I guess Ill keep on more looking for a 15 seater but wont keep my hopes up too much. Its just more nicer if I can load more people. I dont mind taking off heavy seats I have help for sure.

 

[CrewVanMan]

NewToTransit

If you are willing to travel and get up to the $28K range, how about one with factory trailer towing package, full vinyl floor covering, reverse park aid and rear view camera, passenger side running board, privacy glass, and 15 passenger seating with 2400 miles. It is a 2015 LR 148" WB, 3.7L engine with pewter cloth interior.

You can lookup this window sticker and check it out. 1FBZX2YMXFKA70063

 

[NewToTransit]

Just got the van this afternoon then took in SF for a family gathering and watching the first game of Finals. The wifey is so happy thats the most important thing. We just got the 150 XLT 10 seater order code 302A. White with charcoal seat alloy wheels with just 12650 miles. At first I want a 12 to 15 seater but the wife convince me just get the 10 seater. She said its just perfect for her cuz the other ones are way too big.

Its not pre owned certified but they were telling me its still covered on Ford regular warranty 3yrs 30,000 bumper to bumper and 5yrs 60,000 drivetrain. I dont know if thats the right numbers cuz they didnt give me a print out. They said its all in the Ford system that Im covered. Is that true or they BS'n me?

First on the list is changing the radio. The radio I got have no BT connection. I dont want to get a $350+ ticket for not using hands free. I just need to find the parts for the install. But Ill try to do the easy ones first. like the dome light change it to LEDs. Did someone already put and LED strip light to get in the van? Cuz I notice its kinna dark around it. Ill try to install a hitch and wiring too. How hard is that?

I think thats about it for now. Ill try to use the search button more Thanks for the help.

 

[asdrew]

Congrats, it sounds like you got one of the nicer ones as used wagons go.

The regular factory warranty is good no matter what and is based on mileage so no worries there.

One day I will change the radio, but for an immediate hands-free option I got a a Garmin with voice activated bluetooth and lifetime updates.There are several threads in here about changing the radio, it is not straight forward like it was in the old days.

I put white LEDs in the dome lights (makes a big difference), and LED strips to lighten things up inside. I'm still working on getting them all where and how I want them, just need free time concurrent with motivation and opportunity.

There are also some threads with info on hitches & wiring.

 

[adayfam]

First on the list is changing the radio. The radio I got have no BT connection. I dont want to get a $350+ ticket for not using hands free. I just need to find the parts for the install.

1 manufacturer makes a dash kit for the Transit, and you may still have to do some custom modding to make it work depending on the options in your van. However, every distributor is sold out and Metra (presently) has no ETA on when the next batch will ship out.

It's all here:
http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/electronics-audio-lighting/24113-double-din-dash-kit.html

 

[NewToTransit]

Thanks for the input guys.

Right now Im working on the dome light. I have some extra LED panels that I put in my other cars. It will be an upgrade for sure.

 

[yelnam]

As for Bluetooth, an easy fix is a BT dongle that connects to the aux input ...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[NewToTransit]

BT would be a temporary fix but I already have a Pioneer KW-V21BT was saving for my 91 Land Cruiser that I got a great deal.

The dome like was a success its 10x brighter. Now I just need figure out how to add LED strips on the steps going in the van. Specially when you unlock or open the doors. I wanted to work with the interior lights.

 

[asdrew]

For inside the van, I am powering the floor LEDs from the 30 minute 12v accessory circuit so they come on with unlock/open doors and stay on when driving to lighten up the interior. The ones I am adding to the exterior entry areas will be triggered by the dome light circuit so they go off once underway.

 

[NewToTransit]

Installed my new antenna very happy about it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/351629485589

Mention you need the stud for Transit. The stud is not as long the oem antenna. But it works me.